ART and artist of-Bangladesh have always pla yed a distinct role In creating opinions and elevating social- environment. They In general play a very important role in raising socio-political consciousness of the people. During the 50's. 60 s and 70's In our struggle against Pakistan for our national Identity and economic emancipation the contribution of the artists have been tremendous

Until recently, 'art' has been a very Isolated and coveted object. One had to search tor'll and artists had to peddle their own wares. In Bangladesh, collectors of grt have so far been limited to a small circle of urban elites, few middle class art lovers can afford to spend the price tag that a painting or sculpture, carries. Nevertheless, the rapid growth of art galleries in Dhaka In the recent years Indicates that art now attracts a wider circle of people. It Is true that the major collectors are still those people with money to spare. Even then art lovers with limited resources '

are also venturing into the market. With the growing number of galleries (commercial) and frequent exhibitions. the people In general arc having an opportunity to see. enjoy and appreciate art.

For the propagation of art. galleries play a most Important role. They are the medium of communication between the artist and the people and buy ers. In 1988 La Galerie opened It's door tn an effort to make art more accessible to the public and therefore raise the awareness of the artist's interpretation of the world. Although there were few other galleries and art shops, there was not any concerted effort by any of them to organize art shows in a professional way. But then from 1992 eight more game Into being Unfortunately two had to shut their doors. Anyway It is a very good sign to see that there arc so many galleries which have opened their doors and most of them are very active by or-

.ganizing regular exhibits and sale of art works. Following is a short‘round up of the most active galleries In Dhaka city.

In 1994. La Galerie held 31 exhibitions of well known and not so well known artist. At that time It also celebrated the 100th exhibit since It Inception.

Gallery Tone which opened in 1993. celebrated its one year In June '94. In 1994 Tone had 22 exhibitions where artists, young and veterans, were well represented.

Divine Art Gallery which is situated In the Hotel Sonargaon with Its limited wall space had seven exhibitions of. the more popular artists In 1994'

Jojon. which opened in 1993. has been promoting art through exhibitions and discussions. In 1994. It held 24 exhibitions promoting mainly young artists.

Shilpangan by far the largest gallery with the largest wall space has held an annual exhibition by all major artist. It has on display works by 150 artists at all time for sale.

Drik on the other hand with an ideal location has been very shy about Its gallery activity. Besides the World press show held with much fanfare In 1994. it had only 5 exhibitions. Of them 3 were photographs, two paintings and one sculp-, ture. Three were local and three foreign.

Even ten years ago It was unthinkable of such active art movement and vibrant at market as one notices now. Although we are still at the embryonic stage compared to International level, it is hoped the gallery owners will continue to be patient and keep faith In their business which has a great impact in rising our socio-cultural awareness.